S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
The Department of Environment has allocated 44cr taka for the development of wetlands and biodiversity of Tanguar Haor in Sunamganj, one of the second largest wetlands in Bangladesh.
The Department of Environment will implement the development of this haor and wetland. And the UNDP has funded this project, which will run until 2029.
Under the project, 800 hectares of bird habitat will be developed, 400 hectares of wetland and 300 hectares of reed beds will be created and 20 hectares of beel will be restored. In addition, locals will be involved in protecting the haor in various ways through training. A consulting firm will be appointed to plan and implement specific activities for wetland development.
Under the Community Based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland Ecosystem Project, the project is working to raise awareness among the people of the haor area through workshops to protect the haor wetlands, said Project Director Shaheda Begum.
Deputy Commissioner of Sunamganj Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia said that if you think that the government alone is responsible for protecting the Tanguar Haor, it will never be possible to protect the haor. As time goes by, the haor environment is being destroyed, and resources are being depleted. If those whose livelihoods depend on the haor are not aware and active, the haor will suffer further damage. However, there must also be employment opportunities for fishermen and farmers on the haor area.
Meanwhile, the Tanguar Haor Protection Order has covered 4 unions in two upazilas of the district. These are Banshikunda North and Banshikunda South of Madhyanagar Upazila and Sreepur (South) and Sreepur (North) of Tahirpur Upazila. Which are under Tanguguar Haor, Moazzempur, Kismat Mendata, Jagadishpur, Lamagaon and Rangachhara East Mouza.
The notification specifically mentions the responsibilities of the committee, implementation and monitoring of activities, guidelines to be followed for Tanguguar and Hakaluki Haor, and short (2 years), medium (5 years) and long-term (10 years) plans.
In addition, the notification has formed a 10-member committee with the Deputy Commissioner as the president to implement and monitor haor protection activities.
The other members of the committee are – Member Secretary, Deputy Director of Bangladesh Haor and Wetland Development Department (nominated by the Director General), Member District Superintendent of Police, Deputy Director of Agricultural Extension Department, District Fisheries Officer, Executive Engineer of Bangladesh Water Development Board, Divisional Forest Officer, concerned Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Deputy Director of Environment Department, Local Environmentalist/Haor related Non-Governmental Organization/Civil Society Representative (1 person) nominated by the Deputy Commissioner.
